Another project got $90,000 to create a cooperative of producers to grow, harvest, and market value-added ramp products. Ramps, a form of wild garlic used by Appalachian settlers and Cherokee, have become all the rage in recent years, and are now in short supply in the wild as a result.

Many of the businesses awarded grants will tap the timber trade, but not in the traditional logging style. Two businesses will launch sustainable firewood ventures. Another will cater to the demand for sustainable timber by using horse logging and small sawmills. Another will supply furniture makers with sustainably-harvested wood.

More than 60 people applied for the grants. The WNC forest stimulus initiative was earmarked for $1.9 million, but $700,000 will go to project managers, advisors and consultants, workshops and grant oversight.